Photo: Alaska Sea Life Center
In a rare rescue attempt, a 140-pound baby walrus is being treated with 24/7 cuddles at a sea life rescue in Alaska.
The one-month old calf was found by oil field workers on the North Slope of Alaska on August 1, an unusual location for a Pacific walrus. He was soon transported to the Alaska Sea Life Center, where they further evaluated his condition. The unnamed walrus was suffering with malnutrition, dehydration, a cloudy eye, and a potential infection.
In an effort to help the young calf grow healthy and stay calm, the center prescribed 'round-the-clock cuddling'.
"Walrus calves depend on maternal care for their first two years of life," said officials from the center, "and with no adults in the vicinity, it was apparent that the wayward calf would not survive long without intervention." Staff is currently on a 24-hour care regimen, as walruses are social animals and need near-constant care.
The walrus has seemed to adapt well to his new life at the ASLC. "We are lucky that his first night went well", said Wildlife Response Curator Jane Belovarac. "It isn't often that we're able to admit a walrus calf, but every time we do, we learn more about the species and how to care for them." This is the first walrus the center has had in four years, and only the tenth to be admitted in 25 years.
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